The Market Place Foodstore

Two Spots To Fill Your Cart-and More

The recession hasn`t hindered some aspiring vendors of gourmet items. Two upscale food shops will open downtown this spring, offering prepared foods, wines and groceries.

On Thursday the Market Place Foodstore, whose supermarket at 521 W. Diversey Pkwy. has been a neighborhood mainstay for more than half a century, will open a neon-decorated store at 393 W. Illinois St., across from North Pier Terminal, with a delicatessen, a catering service, a full-service floral department and aisles of groceries.

``We`re all service,`` says Santhe Stellas Phillips, an owner and the manager of the deli and catering sections. Customers can order groceries or takeout meals by telephone or fax. Even fresh caviar is available with 24 hours notice, she says. And there is free parking for customers.

Meanwhile, Convito Italiano, whose stores at 11 E. Chestnut St. and in Wilmette offer Italian gourmet items, is building a 5,000-square-foot shop and cafe in the Merchandise Mart that will featuring many of its familiar takeout foods, breads and wines.

The Mart Convito also will offer an espresso bar where sandwiches and take-out foods will be available for the lunchtime crowd, plus a dinning area for private parties.

``Contruction is proceeding on schedule and we hope to be open about May 20,`` owner Nancy Barocci says.